What makes a spiritually vibrant family? We see examples in the Bible, and around us today. There is also research and it all points to one answer: Jesus lives there.

Notes And Next Steps

Genesis 18:18-19  + Part 3 of the series “Family Vacation"

“Teenagers are facing high rates of depression, anxiety and loneliness … Parents should try to minimize or stop the dangerous content … 40% see harmful images and videos related to suicide at least once a month on Instagram and TikTok … This isn't like teaching your kid to drive a car … adults’ attitudes toward social media and how they use it in front of kids.” (https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/05/09/1174838633/psychologists-issue-health-advisory-for-teens-and-social-media)

When God says “Leave it all behind,” do you know what he means? Two things:

What gets in the way becomes the way.

“Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him.” (Genesis 18:18)

“For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him.” (Genesis 18:19)

“Live with faith in the son, and everything else will come true.”

What makes for a spiritually vibrant household?

1. Spiritual practices
2. Spiritual conversations
3. Spiritual hospitality

SPIRITUAL NEXT STEP

Check out the research at https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/. Is your current family—or family when you were growing up—dormant, hospitable, devotional or vibrant? What is one habit that could make it better? Write it down. Post it in a central location.

Discussion Questions

1. Check out the research at https://www.barna.com/research/spiritually-vibrant-household/. Is your current family—or family when you were growing up—dormant, hospitable, devotional or vibrant? What is one habit that would make it better? Write it down. Post it in a central location.
2. “What gets in the way becomes the way.” Could this truth describe screen or media use in your home? Read Romans 4:20,21. How is this encouraging for healthy change?
3. God says, “Leave it all behind.” What two things does that mean?
4. God says, “Don’t ask me whether or not what I’m going to do in your life fits your way. Discipleship is its own way. Don’t ask me whether or not what I’m going to ask you to do fits into your life. Discipleship is its own life.” Does that define your discipleship? Apply Genesis 18:19.